“Passion rebuilds the world for youth…..It makes all things alive and significant”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Generalizations, stereotypes, intolerance, wrongheaded thinking, disconnections, social isolation, fear and more…. They all contribute to the historical need and the triumphs of the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ).  Although the focus is different as compared to their initiation 80 years ago, their “pulse and heartbeat” remain ever strong.

Discussion, “out of the box thinking” and inclusion … regardless of our differences, are powerful antidotes to society’s ills at the level where it needs to be addressed.  

At the helm and in the trenches is a force to be reckoned with, the savvy Reverend LA, McCrae, aka “revlatte.” She knows from whence she speaks,…having  personally dealt with many of the discriminatory and destructive  societal forces raging today…  However, there is always hope and small miracles happening every day under her guidance and the winning formula she and colleagues at the University of Massachusetts have developed in the many program offerings under the NCCJ.    

Ladyjustice and Delilah had a very inspiring and thoughtful discussion with Reverend  LA and one of her student  leaders, Edwin.  

To listen to the Podcast: CLICK HERE

• Introduction to tonight’s guest….
• NCCJ’s history and programs as described by LA – Bias, bigotry and racism & key questions for today’s youth;
• Communities of Love & Justice- Five major areas of focus students identified related to biased based bullying;
• Edwin speaks on treatment of others – Anti-bullying vs. pro-love in solving problems; 
• A list of targets read by Ladyjustice; La speaks how these to these are addressed within their various programs    Sense of self and social identities – 
• “You can’t change what you don’t know”  How our privileges impact the way we interact with the world;
• Anytown Leadership Institute-  “The VOOM” – Five Major Levels of Violence; 
• Explaining “YES”- A Youth led movement and Conference…. Catering to the needs of communities and schools (On line resources and focus groups, research); www.youthsayes.org/
• Anytown Leadership Institute–  A year long program beginning with a  week-long Residential program (oppression to liberation – truly transformational program);
• Bridges- Two day intensive program with research from Social Justice Educators in Social Justice at the University of Massachusetts Amherst;
• Components of Bridges – Three Critical Areas;
• The importance of collaboration and re-shaping the conversations effecting social justice and violence;
• Edwin’s background – “an average student who took an interest;” re Anytown Camp and his growth experience and sense of safety;
• Recruitment in the programs…. Advisors after the high school experience and beyond…
• LA’s praise about Edwin’s skills;
• Delilah asks about the historical perspective and how the social climate has changed in 80 years…or not….
• Highlighting the Culture of “meanness;”
• Adults who have come through bullying and sexual abuse… How does it shape adulthood?
• Inter-generational dialogue;
• The House of Worship Tour…;
• Christian Privileges, Faith Identity versus a Shared Common Humanity;
• Edwin on being open minded and putting ourselves in other people’s shoes;
• At risk groups and Cyber bullying 
• Discussion of the world view of the millennial generation; 
• Resources and “the system” of non-profits;
• What is the charge and impact of relationship building?  
• Inquiries to NCCJ in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook mass murders;
• The “Let’s have coffee” approach;
• A National Message from Edwin and LA;
• The importance of channeling…
• Contact Information:  https://www.facebook.com/NCCJANYTOWN/
• www.thebookoffaith.com/; www.youthsayyes.org/; http://www.nccj.org/
• Upcoming Events with NCCJ
• Definition of “School Push-outs” 
• Thank-you and Goodbyes

‘Just some of the questions that will be answered when listening to this podcast:

• What are the three major areas of their Bridges program?;
• How has the focus of NCCJ changed throughout their history?;
• What can we do as youth progress into adulthood to deal with their past abuses?
• What is the book: “The Wounded Healer” about?
• http://www.amazon.com/The-Wounded-Healer-Ministry-Contemporary/dp/0385148038
• What’s the problem with non-profits and “the system”?
• What is the impact of Sandy Hook on their organization and society?;
• How do we get healing and transformation in youth?
• What do we mean by “afflicting the comfortable”?

The mission of The National Conference for Community and Justice is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in America. Originally established in 1929 as a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in America promotes understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution and education.

For the past 80 years, educators, corporate leaders, community organizations, government officials and faith leaders have recognized the NCCJ of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts as a powerful resource for addressing issues of diversity and social justice.

Through it’s adult and youth programming, the NCCJ works with students, teachers, clergy, corporate and civic leaders to facilitate workshops, develop curriculum, convene race relations and inter-religious dialogues, and provide consulting on challenges related to bias, bigotry and racism.

Rev. L.A. McCrae, M.Div.

 Rev. L.A. McCrae is “an advocate for all persons who live on the periphery of society.” L.A.’s self-designed project as a recipient of the Fund for Theological Education Ministry Fellowship focused on issues of Black, Lesbian, Same-Gender Loving Womyn who had been excluded from main-line Protestant Churches. L.A. has taken a personal interest in creating a Black female bodied, masculine energied, trans fraternity to craft a safe-environment for young Black queers in the lifestyle and questioning their sexual identity. L.A. embodies the lifestyle, androgyny, personalities, and commitment to justice as James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, and Audre Lorde. She is a Co-Founder and Senior Consultant of ThreeSisters Consulting

Reverend LA McCrae:  Teaching Others to be Part of the Solution

Versus Part of the Problem…